Mulch Installation in Fredericksburg, VA

Spring (March–May) is most popular—mulch after beds are cleaned and before summer heat. Fall (September–October) is also excellent, insulating roots before winter. Avoid midsummer when new mulch can overheat in extreme heat.

Most beds need mulch refreshed annually for best appearance and function. In high-visibility areas or HOA neighborhoods, spring mulching is typically expected. Some homeowners mulch every 18–24 months with a thicker application.

Generally no—old mulch that's decomposing adds organic matter to soil. We remove any moldy, matted, or excessive buildup, but typically add fresh mulch on top of last year's decomposed layer. If beds have more than 4" of accumulated mulch, we'll recommend removal.

Never! Piling mulch against tree trunks ("volcano mulching") causes rot, disease, and pest problems. We pull mulch 2–3" away from all trunks and stems. If we see existing volcano mulching, we'll correct it during installation.

Purely aesthetic preference. Brown is more traditional and blends naturally. Black creates higher contrast and makes plants pop. Both use safe vegetable-based dyes. Brown tends to look more natural as it ages; black maintains its color longer.